"Do you mind? Can't a Gannet get any peace?"
Another very pleasant day with long periods of sunshine, warmth and blues skies but unfortunately I could only stay on the cliffs until lunchtime. The Gannets continue to wow supplemented by the other breeding birds of Fulmar, Herring Gull and Shag. It is now prime migration time so anything could turn up on the sea, cliffs and nature trail area! Keep 'em peeled!
Today's Sightings (as at 1230hrs)
The Gannets continue to "wow" at the moment and we are seeing the first juvenile birds (Guga) taking the decision to fledge from the cliffs. When the Guga makes that decision, it will be larger and heavier than its parents. That first departure is a combination of flapping and gliding down to the sea, where it will exercise its wings and lose weight before being able to take its first actual flight. Once the Guga has departed the cliffs, it receives no further support from its parents.
On the cliffs, the Gannet families are still in various stages of development. Some are still downy white with some black feathers emerging.
Others are nearly ready to fledge from the cliffs
Some have taken their first flight
It is also interesting to watch the Gannets in flight and try to age them. The more black in a Gannet, the younger they are. It takes five years to mature and black feathers are moulted with white coming through.
One of my favourite phases is the year 4 Gannet with its "piano keyboard" wing pattern!
Air traffic control would not be impressed!
Nature is often cruel. This recently fledged Gannet didn't make it and provides sustenance to other species. In this case, Greater Black Backed Gulls.
And finally, some Fulmars!
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